A report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has concluded that, despite being devolved, Wales faces heavy restrictions on how it can reform its social care system. Even though the Welsh Assembly is responsible for the country’s long term care policy and has its own Older People’s Strategy, it has to adopt UK-wide policies on benefits, welfare and tax set by Westminster. And the fact that social care is inextricably linked to the benefits system means that it is impossible for Wales to make any drastic reforms to how its social care system is structured and funded. Further to the publication in March of the English White Paper on social care reform, Wales is soon to release the results of its own Green Paper consultation process. Deputy Minister Gwenda Thomas acknowledges that, in some respects, the country will have to follow England’s lead: ‘Given that much of the social care legislation is on an England and Wales basis, it will be essential that we continue working with the UK Government to establish a new system of paying for care that is fair, affordable, and sustainable in the long term.’
In related news, Ms Thomas recently announced a funding boost of £3.4 million for the second phase of the Older People’s Strategy. £1.8 million will be spent on running the Commissioner for Older People’s office and the remaining £1.6 million on implementing the Strategy regionally across Wales. Ms Thomas comments: ‘The funding (will) encourage Local Authorities and the Voluntary Sector in Wales to take a strategic approach to older people’s issues, tackle age discrimination and plan for an ageing society in our communities.’ Wales has been recognised internationally for taking the lead in addressing both the benefits and challenges of an ageing population.
